We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly. We support the following browsers:
Windows:Internet Explorer,
Mozilla Firefox,
Google Chrome.
Mac:Safari.

A Family-Friendly Philadelphia Tour

From catching the stars visiting Betsy Ross to hopping a ride on Smarty Jones, families can view Philly the fun way.

Rating: 5 out of 5 by EveryTrail members

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 2 miles

Duration: Half day

Family Friendly

Overview :
This tour starts with a trip back in time, and ends at a modern playground. In between, there are plenty of choices. This tour is... more » easily adapted to your family's particular needs.

Do your kids have the competitive spirit? Then challenge the group to a round of mini golf. Too young to swing a club? Use the golf course as a photo opportunity, then take an extra ride on the carousel. And if you're looking to make this a whole day affair, the tour ends in close proximity of the Please Touch Museum (for the younger crew) and the Philadelphia Zoo (for the older kids). less «

Tips:
Two essentials on this tour are water and walking shoes. Although there are a couple of concession stands along the route (try the... more » Cake Shake at Square Burger for a real taste of Philly), you'll want to keep hydrated for the active day in the sun.

If you're taking little ones, a stroller will help you get around quickly and save on some complaints.

Limited street parking is available on Arch Street. Be sure to feed your kiosk, which will have a three-hour time limit. For a longer stay, park in the lot beneath the National Constitution Center, on Race Street between 5th and 6th. However, this will require a backtrack to the Betsy Ross House to start the tour.

Make sure you call the Mint first to see if it's open for tours. If not, check out the exterior and the gift shop.

The area is safe - there's a police station right on 7th. Of course, this means the parking laws are strictly enforced, so choose a spot accordingly. less «

Points of Interest

The tour starts at the Betsy Ross House, in the heart of the historic Old City district. This tour is kid-friendly and history-light, but the home of America's most famous seamstress is a good starting point. The tour through the house is relatively short and there is always something going on that appeals to the younger set.

While touring the... More house, make sure you point out the Betsy Ross House Walk of Fame. Throughout the house, have the kids locate the "stars" and hear the stories of the famous people (like Roy Rogers and Michelle Obama) who have also visited the house. Then head to the court yard where you can meet the famous flag maker (or a reasonable facsimile) herself. Betsy Ross will be happy to teach your little ones how to cut a star with one snip of the scissors...just ask.
---
Admission: $5 Adults
$4 children/students/seniors/military
$2 additional for optional audio tour

Hours are seasonal
January and February - 10am-5pm, closed Monday
March through November - 10am-5pm every day
December - 10am-5pm, closed Monday

Address
239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA

Phone: 215-629-4026Less

2. Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Bench

As you're leaving the Betsy Ross House courtyard, send your children over to the Once Upon A Nation storytelling bench on the corner of 3rd and Arch streets. This bench is one of 11 scattered throughout historic Philadelphia. Take a seat on the bench, and a storyteller will magically recreate the days when the country was new.

Stories are only a ... Morecouple of minutes long. At your first bench, ask for a flag, which can be completed with stars collected from each subsequent bench. Collect all 11 and return the flag for a prize (and a considerable savings over typical souvenirs).
---
Admission: Free

Continue down Arch Street to the Independence Mall area. The United States Mint is located between 4th and 5th streets.

When our forefathers decided to create a currency, the first mint was established in Philadelphia, then the nation's capitol. The mint opened in 1792 and was made a permanent fixture in Philly by an act of Congress in 1828.

A... More bit of trivia: The Mint can produce up to 1.8 million coins an hour, which adds up to 13.5 billion coins a year. The seven stained glass mosaics in the building tell the story of coin processing in ancient Rome. They were designed and created by Tiffany of New York in 1901.

After a hiatus for renovation, free, self-guided tours of the mint will resume in summer of 2012. Until then, kids seem content just seeing the Mint (or visiting its gift shop, which is still open).
---
Admission: Free
Tour is currently closed for renovation. Check web site or call for information about the reopening.

Address
151 North Independence Mall East
Philadelphia PA

Phone: 215-408-0112Less

4. Philly Mini Golf

Leaving the Mint, head north on 5th Street to Race. Continue up 5th until you see the entrance to Franklin Square, which will be on your left.

Franklin Square was one of the original squares planned by William Penn when he designed the city. The area had fallen into some disrepair, even being called a "skid row park" by architecture... More writer Jane Jacobs in 1961. The park was refurbished and rededicated as a family area in 2006, and now is a popular stop for local families and tourists alike.

Star collectors alert: As you enter the park, you will spot another Once Upon A Nation storytelling bench on the left. Kids can collect another star for their flag at this point.

But our first stop will be at Philly Mini Golf, near the back of the park as you head around the square going right. (The mini golf is just beyond the Square Burger, if anyone is ready for a snack.) Play a round, or just take pictures of the course, which features miniature versions of Philadelphia landmarks. Kids can play giant and peek into the colonial homes of a mini "Elfreth's Alley" at hole 4, scale the Love sculpture at hole 11, and stand in Rocky's footsteps at hole 14, a mini Museum of Art.
---
Admission: $9 adults and children 13 & over
$7 children 3-12
Free for children under 3

After your game (or photo session), continue heading around the park to the right until you reach the Philadelphia Park Liberty Carousel. The only carousel in the city, this 30-animal merry-go-round pays tribute to Philadelphia's rich history of amusement making. It also salutes some beloved animals in the city's recent past.

Philly was once the ... Moreworld's foremost carousel-building town. Early in the 20th century, the Philadelphia Toboggan Company and Denzel Horses, both based in Philly, were the leaders in the design and creation of carousel horses. Some of the molds used by these companies were used to make the horses on Liberty Carousel.

And what horses! Remember Afleet Alex, the thoroughbred who won the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes in 2005, only to have his career sidelined by a hairline fracture? Your kids can jockey up on a wooden version of this Philly favorite.

Or what about Smarty Jones, the little horsey that could? Thought to be dead following smashing his head on a starting gate in 2003, Smarty went on to win the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness the following year. He came in second at the Belmont, but was first in hearts all across the country. His wooden double is also available here.

But don't be surprised if your kids flock for the American Eagle or the magical dragon, perhaps the most popular animals on the amusement.
---
Admission: $2.50 for riders 3 and up
Free for children under 2

Disclaimer - yes, there is a playground to the right of Philadelphia Park Liberty Carousel. And yes, it is perfectly fine to end your tour there, as the equipment is safe and fun, it's closer to your parking spot and your kids may be nearing their nap times.

But, if you want to visit the premiere playground in the area, head back to your car to... More drive to the last stop on the tour, the Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse.

The Playground is a great last stop as it provides the kids with a way to burn off energy while the grownups discuss the day's highlights. If you're hungry, this is a great place to share a picnic lunch. And if you're looking to continue the day in this "family friendly" mode, the Smith Playground puts you in very close proximity to the Please Touch Museum and the Philadelphia Zoo (both of which are great ways to fill entire afternoons).

The playground includes 6.5 acres of open field (the size of six football fields), dotted with interesting and innovative playground equipment. There's a giant wooden slide and 50 unique pieces of equipment that encourage exercise, exploration and play. The 24,000 square foot playhouse on site also provides a variety of interactive play opportunities.

Free parking is available in front of the playground. Bring your bag lunches, as no food is sold on site.
---
Admission: Free, although donations are encouraged

* TripAdvisor LLC is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site... (more)

We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly. We support the following browsers:
Windows:Internet Explorer,
Mozilla Firefox,
Google Chrome.
Mac:Safari.

TripAdvisor LLC is not responsible for content on external web sites. Taxes, fees not included for deals content.

TripAdvisor uses cookies to improve your site experience. Learn more or change your settings. By continuing, you consent to our cookies.